Topic: Purses, clutches, hobo bags, handbags, and crossbody handbags

[ChrissyRyan]

We sure do have a wide variety of handbags available.
I prefer good quality leather handbags with shoulder straps. But others certainly are considered.
I am not into designer labels just “because” they are designer labels.
If they make a bag I like I would certainly consider one though.  But not for the name.

What bag and purse styles and colors do you like? 

Exotic leathers?  Cloth?  Cowhide? 


Chrissy

[sarahc]

My favorite bag currently is a smallish Merlot tote from Portland Leather Goods. The reason I like this tote is because it is the perfect size. It is just big enough to carry my 13” laptop or a moderate amount of stuff. But it isn’t ginormous like most other totes these days. Plus the handle drop is perfect. And it looks really good and fits with my casual style from spring to fall. Got it for around $160 - love it.

Sarah

[ChrissyRyan]

My favorite bag currently is a smallish Merlot tote from Portland Leather Goods. The reason I like this tote is because it is the perfect size. It is just big enough to carry my 13” laptop or a moderate amount of stuff. But it isn’t ginormous like most other totes these days. Plus the handle drop is perfect. And it looks really good and fits with my casual style from spring to fall. Got it for around $160 - love it.

Sarah

Is that a crossbody tote, and does the laptop stick out the top?

Chrissy

[sarahc]

It is not a crossbody tote, but it does have a top zipper. I did not want a crossbody, because I don’t like crossbodies except when I’m in a busy city and I care more about security. I have a more functional tote bag for situations like that.

The laptop does not stick out - it fits very nicely. Anything bigger than 13” would not work, however.

I looked long and hard for a style like this, and this was the only one I found with this size plus a zipper option plus a handy exterior pocket for non valuables that I need to access quickly (like reading glasses).

Sarah

[ChrissyRyan]

It is not a crossbody tote, but it does have a top zipper. I did not want a crossbody, because I don’t like crossbodies except when I’m in a busy city and I care more about security. I have a more functional tote bag for situations like that.

The laptop does not stick out - it fits very nicely. Anything bigger than 13” would not work, however.

I looked long and hard for a style like this, and this was the only one I found with this size plus a zipper option plus a handy exterior pocket for non valuables that I need to access quickly (like reading glasses).

Sarah

Thank you Sarah. 

Chrissy

[TSL_NB]

I really like having my arms free, and considering I don't have a phone, and I leave my laptop at home, I usually just stick with some decent cargo pants that have good pockets, or a hip pack, if I don't have pockets available.

I haven't ever really warmed to purses or handbags (not yet anyway, but who knows...).

[barbie]

Here my friends say that fashionable women should have at least 1 luxury handbag which costs more than several thousand bucks, urging me to follow it. I can not afford it, not because I do not have money, but because I have 3 kids and my priority is them. Usually, my handbags cost less than US$50, but many people believe they are > US$ 1,000. Thus, practically I do not need expensive ones.



barbie~~

[Ellie_Arroway]

Here my friends say that fashionable women should have at least 1 luxury handbag which costs more than several thousand bucks, urging me to follow it. I can not afford it, not because I do not have money, but because I have 3 kids and my priority is them. Usually, my handbags cost less than US$50, but many people believe they are > US$ 1,000. Thus, practically I do not need expensive ones.

An excellent philosophy. I commend you for putting your family first. That's exactly the way it should be.

I don't know a lot about fashion! Neither do I care. I don't even know what is meant by a "tote" bag. Nor a "hobo" bag - that sounds a bit dodgy to me! I have a black leather crossbody handbag that is medium-sized that I use most of the time. All of my handbags are crossbody because I like my arms free.

When it comes to fashion in general, I tend to ignore it. I consider when I see clothing whether I think it would look good on me. That's it. I also shun designer labels for the most part.

As for a purse... Here in the UK, a purse is a small container for money and credit cards, much like a wallet. I kept my wallet for some time since starting transitioning until I realised that it wasn't really very feminine, and at that point, I got a purse instead. It's not a great deal different, really. It is also black leather, or at least leather-look, like the hangbag.

The most I've ever paid for a handbag is £20. I can't imagine paying much more, ever. There's no way I would ever go into three figures for one.

[ChrissyRyan]

The color of the bag can make a difference in terms of being usable for more outfits.
Tan seems like a neutral brownish color, however I unsure if that means all tints and shades of “tans.”

I can say that for the tans, I prefer the darker brown shades.  Perhaps a cowhide or light honey tint.  Yes, honey can look light or dark!  There seems to be quite the range of browns.

Beige is whitish in its tint but I think it has brown in it.

Perhaps some of you who are very fashion conscious or knowing can elaborate.   


Chrissy

[ChrissyRyan]

It is not a crossbody tote, but it does have a top zipper. I did not want a crossbody, because I don’t like crossbodies except when I’m in a busy city and I care more about security. I have a more functional tote bag for situations like that.

The laptop does not stick out - it fits very nicely. Anything bigger than 13” would not work, however.

I looked long and hard for a style like this, and this was the only one I found with this size plus a zipper option plus a handy exterior pocket for non valuables that I need to access quickly (like reading glasses).

Sarah

Those are nice.  I noticed more handcrafted handbags on Etsy and by doing Web searches.
The high quality leather ones can be very durable.  Yes, they do weigh more than other materials.
I am going to do some more in person shopping too, as it is nice to personally check out the handbags.

Chrissy

[ChrissyRyan]

I have been looking for a nice, small crossbody bag too.
I may get a new one this week if I go shopping in person.

Chrissy

[SoCal_Holly]

I have a medium sized, black leather cross body / shoulder bag from All Saints. I like because it fits my iPad Pro and case perfectly and has enough extra rooms the stuff we all need to carry. I have to admit it is more utilitarian and practical than for fashion. But on the other hand it did take me a long time to find the exact style of crossbody ‘ shoulder bag I was looking for combing functionality and styling. And I really like leather bags in general, the tactile feel, smell, craftsmanship, etc...

A great bag is a work of art and can really make an outfit. It’s something I notice about a woman. Along with shoes.

I have a small olive color leather mini backpack for running around town in. Fits just the right amount of stuff, iphone, keys, girly stuff, meds, multi-tool, glasses, and it fits my iPad mini perfectly. Lol

Purses and shoes, there is no such thing as having too many......

Been looking at a few more but so far have been good. In other words electrolysis paid for before more purses, lol

Practical Holly

[Lyric]

Here my friends say that fashionable women should have at least 1 luxury handbag which costs more than several thousand bucks, urging me to follow it.

In the wacky world of fashion I think the basic human sense inclinations come into play. We all tend to be more oriented toward one sense type: the visual, the verbal or the kinesthetic (tactile). We visual people are easily satisfied with achieving a pleasing appearance while verbal people have to buy those expensive labels to feel satisfied with fashion.

[ChrissyRyan]

Handbags are so nice.  The larger ones can hold a lot, and the smaller ones can be so cute!

They win hands down over the “messenger bags,” that is for sure!


Chrissy

[barbie]

In the wacky world of fashion I think the basic human sense inclinations come into play. We all tend to be more oriented toward one sense type: the visual, the verbal or the kinesthetic (tactile). We visual people are easily satisfied with achieving a pleasing appearance while verbal people have to buy those expensive labels to feel satisfied with fashion.

Interesting.

Yes. Certainly, I am a visual person, and that is why I usually carry big bags.





barbie~~

[ChrissyRyan]

It is getting to be that I take a handbag with me often when I am out even when not presenting female.  Perhaps the larger ones can be seen as carry bags or totes, I do not know. 
Perhaps the smaller ones are not noticed or they cannot figure that visual out, or are considered to be metrosexual bags. Guys can use shoulder or crossbody bags too.  I had a bag the other day in the top shelf of the shopping cart as I stopped to pay and the cashier looked at me and the bag then at me again and had what I call a perplexed look. 

Chrissy

[Ellie_Arroway]

It is getting to be that I take a handbag with me often when I am out even when not presenting female.  Perhaps the larger ones can be seen as carry bags or totes, I do not know. 
Perhaps the smaller ones are not noticed or they cannot figure that visual out, or are considered to be metrosexual bags. Guys can use shoulder or crossbody bags too.  I had a bag the other day in the top shelf of the shopping cart as I stopped to pay and the cashier looked at me and the bag then at me again and had what I call a perplexed look. 

Well, why shouldn't you.

If I was not transgender and I had found out how useful handbags can be, I'd have done it too.

[ChrissyRyan]

Well, why shouldn't you.

If I was not transgender and I had found out how useful handbags can be, I'd have done it too.

They are useful, that is for sure.   

Chrissy

[ChrissyRyan]

My favorite bag currently is a smallish Merlot tote from Portland Leather Goods. The reason I like this tote is because it is the perfect size. It is just big enough to carry my 13” laptop or a moderate amount of stuff. But it isn’t ginormous like most other totes these days. Plus the handle drop is perfect. And it looks really good and fits with my casual style from spring to fall. Got it for around $160 - love it.

Sarah

They sure do have a nice selection!
Now... should I really get yet another bag this month?  Likely will wait a bit.

Unsure if I should stick with my nice darker colors that go with everything, you know, the black and browns, or if a little attention getting red, mustard, or forest green bag will be the next one!

Chrissy

[sarahc]

Only you can determine when you have too many bags! 

Sarah

They sure do have a nice selection!
Now... should I really get yet another bag this month?  Likely will wait a bit.

Unsure if I should stick with my nice darker colors that go with everything, you know, the black and browns, or if a little attention getting red, mustard, or forest green bag will be the next one!

Chrissy